Wednesday, April 22, 2009

The word "cancer" horrifies us,having known someone who fought the deadly disease gives the terrible picture of how life changes with the shocking diagnosis and the following painful treatments.On brighter side most cancers can be preventable , watchful diet and active lifestyle can considerably lower the risk of developing the cancers.Its our responsibility to take good care and nurture the gifted good health.Since cancer can be diagnosed at any age,it always better to be safe than sorry,eat and live healthy.

Cancer in simple terms is defined as "uncontrolled growth of defective cells in the body,that damage the healthy tissue".Read the in depth Cell biology of cancer.A healthy immune system is the best defense against such cancerous growth.Junk diet,pollutants in the foods like pesticides and artificial or genetically modified foods like Trans fat ,unhealthy habits like smoking and drinking alcohol,do no good for bodies defenses. Simple changes in diet has proven to boost the bodies immunity and provides the nutrients which clear-up the toxins in the bodies.3 simple rules to be mindful while making food choices:
*Eating fresh fruits and vegetables ,rich in antioxidants that fight against cancer causing free radicals(the bad guys).Remember excess cooking can kill some of the essential vitamins.Spice up and flavor up your veggies and cook until just necessary and deep frying leaves them nullified of vitamins.
* High fiber foods help in flushing out the toxins.
* Reduce the consumption of Saturated fats like butter , high fat cheese and also high fat red meats.Use healthier fats like Extra virgin olive oil and vegetable oil in moderate quantities.Choose lean meat like lean beef,turkey and chicken.

I've referred here,here,here and here to learn about top cancer combating foods.Its relieving to know most of the foods are part of my list of nature's best list.I've summed the check list of top cancer fighting foods ,do tally them and try to incorporate the missing foods in your diet.Here are delicious recipes I posted with these wonder foods.

Edamame(baby soy beans),the Star Legume.
Edamame(pronounced Ed-ah-maa-me),the Japanese Legumes are the latest star in the health foods.Harvested before maturity,edamame are cholesterol-free form of plant protein, calcium and omega-3 fatty acids,believed to reduce the risk of osteoporosis, prostate cancer, breast cancer and the symptoms of menopause.
These taste yummier than it looks with slightly sweet nutty flavor.Just plain boiled and seasoned with spices,make a healthful snack.I bought these Organic Edamame in cute little snack size packs,ready to eat from Costco.Its usually available pre-cooked in well stocked super markets under frozen vegetables section.

Combined with creamy avocado,the edamame spread was brimming with health and nutrition.Great for dipping with your favorite crackers or toast and spreading on a sandwich.

Method
Blend on the ingredients together until smooth and spreadable.Serve with crackers or crostini(little toasts) or spread on sandwiches.

Variation with Peas instead of Avocados
1 cup of fresh peas can also be substituted instead of avocados.

I dedicate this post to Cooking to Combat Cancer,food event raising awareness about cancer fighting foods. Cooking to Combat Cancer was started in by Chris of Melle Cotte ,who is a brave cancer survivor sharing her experience and precious advice to fight cancer.

That dip is so good!! Will try it definitely, thanks for sharing Yasmeen.I wish organic food and whole foods were cheaper, so that every common person could include it in the everyday diets, isnt it. May Allah protect us all from the deadly diseases inshallah.

This is an excellent post! And, is a great contribution to CCC3. I appreciate the time you took on this informative post. Thank you so much! These are two of my favorite foods and I can't wait to try it.

Hey Yasmeen,See the telepathy.I wanted a recipe with edamame and u had that in mind to post. The saying goes:" Great minds think alike" :)Love this guacamole with edamame. Thanks a bundle. Love the idea.

Nice recipe Yasmeen. Can I be honest? Cancer freaks me out. It seems like we really have such little control on it, seemingly healthy people get it too. That's a good comprehensive list..I probably use most of those ingredients as well.

Yasmeen

Peace and Blessings!. This blog is all about discovering natures best food. Preparing food using the best in nature. If you haven't been eating right then make changes in your diet using nature's best food. Spend an extra buck and travel a extra mile to find the nature's best ingredients. You'll love this change you made. Let the healthy journey begin....learn more about me